Newer medicines used for arthritis and osteoporosis

The range and quality of medicines available to manage arthritis
and osteoporosis have expanded considerably over the past decade,
according to a report released today by the Australian Institute of
Health and Welfare (AIHW).

The report, Medication use for arthritis and
osteoporosis, provides information on what medicines
Australians are using to manage their musculoskeletal problems, how
much these medicines cost, and trends in the prescription of new
medicines.

'Medicines are central to managing arthritis and osteoporosis to
improve mobility and reduce pain and inflammation,' said Dr Kuldeep
Bhatia of the AIHW's National Centre for Monitoring Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal Conditions.

'In the last decade, the variety of medicines available for
managing arthritis and osteoporosis has expanded considerably,
especially with the arrival of several new medicines that can
reduce disease severity, slow its progression, and in some cases
prevent complications.'

People with osteoarthritis most commonly use non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs along with paracetamol to manage their
condition.

For rheumatoid arthritis, the disease-modifying anti-rheumatic
drug methotrexate is most commonly used.

'Pharmaceutical innovations over the last several years have
improved the efficacy and diversity of medicines available to
manage these conditions, however the adoption of new and more
effective drugs is often costly,' Dr Bhatia said.

Methotrexate was estimated to cost consumers $1.1 million and
the Australian Government $2.5 million in 2007, with more than
100,000 subsidised prescriptions dispensed.

More than 1.6 million subsidised prescriptions for meloxicam, a
drug used to manage osteoarthritis, were dispensed in 2007, costing
consumers $7.4 million and the Australian Government $36.9
million.

Complementary medicines are also used commonly in managing
arthritis and osteoporosis.

'While GPs do recommend complementary medicines, the rates are
much lower than for pharmaceutical medications,' Dr Bhatia
said.